JAPANDROIDS HAD TERMINAL 5 IN A FRENZY

I had never heard a note of Japandroids‘ music before their high-energy gig at Terminal 5, so was pleasantly surprised at the quality of their songs and show overall. Only having seen photos from their shows, I was eager to catch the fast-rising duo at the cavernous Terminal 5 a few months after their Knitting Factory set which had NYC buzzing for days.

Up first for me was Craig Finn and the Uptown Controllers – who was a mix of an angry Bob Dylan and a happy Bruce Springsteen. They made for a fun 30 minute set of solid rock, highlighted by Finn’s spastic, but enamoring stage presence and gravelly singing-voice.

Craig Finn

Craig Finn

Craig Finn

Craig Finn

Craig Finn

Craig Finn

Craig Finn

Craig Finn

After a super quick turnaround Japandroids, consisting of Brian King on Guitar/Vox and David Prowse on the drums/vox took to the stage and whipped the crowd into a frenzy with “Near To The Wild Heart Of Life,” “Adrenaline Nightshift” and “Fire’s Highway.” This is when I realized why they are becoming huge and could practically sell out the massive hall, as their stuff was super-tight and catchy.

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With the drums off to the side of the stage, instead of the back as usual, it gave the fans a great view of Prowse’s work behind the kit and impressive back-up vocals and his interactions with King, which were numerous. There’s a few songs in their catalogue that have that “anthemic” feel to them and really did fill up the room to the third-deck, which can be difficult at T5. All in all, Japandoids are a solid two-man band that can hold their own against the likes of Royal Blood and Black Pistol Fire and look forward to them growing even more.